Are We Electing Leaders or Just Popular Figures? The Case for Education in Philippine Elections

The Philippines’ electoral law and process reflect its vibrant and inclusive democracy – a system of government that has no tiered, scaled, or even formal educational requirements for those seeking public office. Although this framework upholds every Filipino’s political rights by not limiting government positions to a privileged few, it raises concerns about the competence of individuals entrusted with the complex tasks, responsibilities, and obligations of governance, especially in a turbulent and changing political-economic landscape.

In this respect, Filipinos have witnessed ill-prepared elected legislators struggling to defend bills in committee hearings, seemingly unaware of the responsibilities and competencies inherent in the office they sought. The electorate has also observed local officials appointing an excessive number of political consultants, essentially outsourcing the management of their communities at taxpayer expense. It is only prudent that elected office, at any level, should not be treated as on-the-job training for less qualified individuals seeking higher positions merely because they are able to leverage popularity to win elections.

Today’s leaders, therefore, are expected to, and must, address intricate governance issues such as economic policy, international relations, technological advancements, and social justice. Effectively dealing with these complex challenges requires an understanding of complex systems, analytical thinking, and informed policy formulation, development, and execution.

This increasing complexity of modern governance, therefore, demands a certain level of education appropriate to the position being sought. Just as regular government personnel are selected and hired based on their qualifications, including educational attainment, to implement policies and directives, elected officials and political candidates should meet stringent educational requirements commensurate with the needs of the position.

This apparent disparity between those who create policies and those who execute them can lead to a disconnect, where well-educated civil servants are forced to navigate the agendas and policies of leaders who may lack the necessary understanding of modern governance due to a lack of education. Although practical experience and inherent leadership qualities are valuable and important in modern governance, a lack of appropriate education cannot be fully compensated. A strong educational foundation equips individuals with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to make sound judgments, understand the long-term implications of their decisions, and effectively manage public resources. Although inclusivity must be considered, accessible, free higher and appropriate education in state universities makes it reasonable to expect that those seeking public office are equipped to serve their communities effectively. Public office is, indeed, a public trust.

In light of the first week of the campaign period this February 2025, and even during the candidacy filing in September 2024, Filipinos witnessed an influx of popular figures, especially social media influencers and media personalities, who are often subjectively deemed unqualified or less qualified for the positions they seek. They are, nevertheless, permitted to run under the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code, among other legal bases, regardless of their educational attainment, practical governance experience, and demonstrable leadership qualities. While this pattern is not unprecedented - the Philippines elected a film actor to several positions, including the presidency in 1998, a position he later resigned from amid plunder and perjury charges - the current dominance of popular figures over more qualified candidates is striking.

While the Philippines' electoral system is founded on democratic principles, it faces significant challenges in today's increasingly complex world. Failing to address these challenges, particularly the lack of educational requirements for public office, risks perpetuating a system where popularity trumps competence, where personality overcomes advocacy. Introducing tiered and scaled educational requirements in the succeeding elections is a crucial step towards ensuring the nation is led by individuals equipped to handle the complexities of modern governance. However, as Filipinos cast their votes on 12 May 2025, they must confront this challenge through awareness and educational campaigns focused on informed voting.